Representatives should assist with code 1 and 2 strandings 

 whenever possible to ensure that appropriate samples are 

 collected. 



The Charleston Laboratory is currently developing necropsy 

 and specimen collection protocols, and tissue collection kits 

 which will be distributed to the appropriate personnel. The 

 Mieuni Laboratory is presently identifying necropsy personnel and 

 necropsy facilities in the southeast. The NMFS Area 

 Representatives should enstire that appropriate specimens are 

 delivered to the necropsy facilities. 



The SEFC Area Representatives will receive, track, store, 

 and transfer collected samples as necesseury. Arremgements have 

 been made with the AFIP to conduct histopathological studies on 

 appropriate specimens. Specimens collected for genetic, food 

 habit, aging, emd stock identification studies will be 

 transferred for analyses when the appropriate investigators are 

 identified. Some funding will be made available for faculty 

 appointments to perform some of these studies. These activities 

 should ensure that adequate information is available to begin 

 evaluating causes and potential effects of both normal and 

 anomalous mortality events. 



Official Responsibilities and Authority; Jeff Brown 



The three topics discussed were: who is on the network; 

 non-government people and LOA's; and jurisdiction. 



SEDS Stranding Network 



There are approximately 250 participants in the network; all 

 are listed in the Stranding Directory which is currently being 

 updated. A suggestion was made to put the Area Representatives 

 higher on the list, emd to alphabetize the list. 



Letters of Authorization (LQA) 



LOA holder qualifications vary. Potential peurticipants 

 sxibmit a letter to the Regional Office stating %^y they are 

 interested in participating in the Network, along with a resume 

 indicating education and experience. Qualifications for LOA 

 issuance are subjective and depend on the locality. Issuance of 

 LOA's and compliance with rules and responsibilities of LOA 

 holders is the responsibility of the Regional Office. It is 

 important to keep the rules and the application process simple as 

 the majority of people in the Stranding Network are volunteers. 

 They must understand %fhy they are in the Network, that we do not 

 impose anything on them that we trould not do ourselves, and that 



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